Top of the line Colt reproductions

[Dithsoer]

I read on here a couple times a while back about top of the line 1858 Remington reproductions being made by a few manufacturers. They cost somewhere between 700 and 1000 dollars. I was wondering if anyone makes super high quality Colt reproductions, specifically of the 1851 Navy. I'm looking for the best-quality 1851 that I can find and believe that 500 dollars plus isn't too much to pay if the weapon truly is top of the line. I realize that much of the wearability of such reproductions stems from the actual design, which is around 150 years old. But still, the 1858 Remington repro's I've seen are touted as being as well made as modern revolvers (and cost about as much as well), using the same type of high quality, properly heat-treated steels. Does such a revolver (1851 Navy) exist? Or is Cimarron/Uberti about the best there is for now (which of course I'm not denigrating as their products are high quality).

 

[Riot Earp]

Are you referring to the Pedersoli Remingtons?

 

[Bad Flynch]

If you want an 1851, you have only to go to a gun auction website and bid or buy. I see both the Colts issued in the 1980s and the 1990s listed.

I own 7 Colt Signature Series BP revolvers and I am quite pleased with them all. They will run you at least $500-$600. I like the quality blue, the way the parts are put together, etc.

However, I also own Colt replicas marketed by Cimarron. These are customarily of Uberti manufacture. Cimarron may cherry-pick the samples and make certain the parts are of correct hardness, etc. However, they probably offer custom gunsmithing like action tuning, etc., so that you could get that done. The whole cost likely would not be more than a real Colt in the first place.

I own a number of Cimarron firearms and the vintage of them spans quite a number of years. They just keep getting better, I think.

Occasionally, Uberti imports some of their premium line. It is a cut above their regular line and not many in North America want to pay those prices, which are about the same as Colt prices. Nevertheless, they are quite nice, so call Uberti and see what, if anything, is available. Better check and see from whom, too.

It is my understanding that Pietta has an upper-eschelon line, too, but that it is rare in the U.S. and one would have to special order it from Italy. My upper line Pietta 1858 Remington is a gem and I think that they offer some above that, too. Get in touch with Pietta or one of its importers such as Dixie Gun Worke.

 

[Old Dragoon]

Second Gen."C" Series Colt 1851 Navies are tops. I own two and they were in or below the price range you want to spend.
Contrary to popular belief these were NOT made by Uberti in Italy.

Per Dennis Adler and John Allen's "Bluebook of Modern Black Powder Arms":

COLT´S MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
Current firearms manufacturer with headquarters located in West Hartford, CT.
Colt´s Manufacturing Company, Inc. is the previous manufacturer of 2nd Generation Colt percussion revolvers located in Hartford, CT. Colt used subcontractors to supply rough castings for the manufacture of these black powder pistols. Throughout the production years 1971-1982, these rough castings were produced in Italy and the reproductions were completed in the United States. Initially, Val Forgett and Navy Arms provided these parts/components during 1971-73. Lou Imperato supplied these parts from 1974 to 1976. In both instances, these revolvers were assembled and finished in Colt´s facilities in Connecticut. Finally, from 1978 to 1982, Colt subcontracted both parts procurement and final production to Lou Imperato and Iver Johnson Arms in Middlesex, NJ. Colt percussion revolvers produced by Iver Johnson had frames, center pins, nipples, and screws manufactured in the United States. In all instances, these revolvers were manufactured in accordance with Colt´s strict specifications and quality control. Additionally, Colt´s performed final inspection for all models. All percussion models manufactured from 1971 through 1982, either by Colt or its subcontractor, are regarded as authentic Colt pistols and not Italian replicas.
The Colt Custom Shop also produced a limited number of special editions through the early 1990s from 2nd Generation production inventory.

And

COLT BLACKPOWDER ARMS CO.
Previous manufacturer and retailer of 3rd Generation Colt Black Powder pistols and muskets located in Brooklyn, NY 1994-2002.
All 3rd Generation Colt blackpowder models are also referred to as Signature Series Models.
A reprise of the original Colt Blackpowder line, along with historic models not offered in the 2nd Generation, and a new series of Commemoratives, each model (with the exception of the Heirloom Tiffany 1860 Army and 1842 Texas Paterson) bears the Sam Colt signature on the backstrap. These 3rd Generation models were manufactured under an authorized licensing agreement with Colt Firearms by Colt Blackpowder Arms Company – the same company (and many of the same craftsmen) responsible for the 2nd Generation Colt revolvers. Although parts for the Signature Series were cast in Italy, they were fully assembled and hand finished in the United States using the proprietary Colt formulas for bluing and color case hardening.
Colt Blackpowder Arms Company Signature Series revolvers are regarded as authentic Colt pistols. The 3rd Generation models have original Colt markings, including the barrel address and serial number stampings. There are no foreign proof marks on these authentic Colt models.

I'd go with Second Gen Colt Navies every time.